Gold Tone LG-D Little Gem Amethyst See-Through Banjo-Ukulele with Bag

I’ve been around instruments for over 45 years, and every once in a while something comes along that just makes people smile the moment they pick it up. The Gold Tone Little Gem Banjo-Ukulele in Amethyst is exactly that kind of instrument. That see-through purple acrylic rim and resonator isn’t a gimmick — it’s a conversation starter that also happens to be a genuinely well-built banjo uke with a bright, penetrating tone that punches well above its $219.99 price point. Gold Tone took home the Best in Show award at Summer NAMM 2018 for the Little Gem series, and it’s easy to hear why. If you play ukulele and have ever wondered what a banjo tone feels like under your fingers, or if you’re a complete beginner looking for something approachable and immediately inspiring, this is the instrument I’d hand you.

Beneath that eye-catching finish is a thoughtfully spec’d instrument. The maple neck is comfortable and stable, the 18-fret fingerboard gives you plenty of room to explore, and the bone nut at 1-3/8″ width sits right in that sweet spot for concert-scale playing. Sealed guitar-style tuners keep you in tune without fuss, the 8″ clear head over the acrylic rim delivers that characteristic banjo chime with just enough warmth, and the maple bridge with ebony cap adds a touch of tonal refinement you don’t usually see at this price. It’s tuned GCEA — standard ukulele tuning — so if you already know your uke chords, you can pick this up and be playing immediately. The chrome hardware throughout and the rolled brass flat-bar tension hoop give the whole package a clean, finished look that makes it feel more substantial than the price tag suggests.

Every instrument receives a professional factory setup at Gold Tone in Titusville, Florida — checking the neck relief, nut slots, bridge placement, and action so that it plays its best right out of the box. At this price range, a proper setup makes a real difference, and it’s something done on every single instrument.

Why Buy From Banjo Warehouse

Banjo Warehouse is an authorized Gold Tone dealer, which means you’re getting a genuine instrument backed by Gold Tone’s warranty with full manufacturer support. I’ve been in the banjo business since the late 1970s — I was Deering Banjo’s number one dealer in 1980, I wrote Banjo Primer, used by hundreds of thousands of players, and I co-designed the OB-Standard with Gold Tone — so when I say I know which instruments are worth your money, I mean it. The Little Gem is worth every penny. We also want to make sure price is never a barrier to getting started, so we offer flexible financing through PayPal Pay in 4, Afterpay, and extended plans of 3, 6, 12, or 24 months — with no late fees. Questions before you buy? Reach out. I’m happy to talk banjos.

Gold Tone LG-D Little Gem Specifications

Model	LG-D (Amethyst)
Tuning	GCEA (Standard Ukulele)
Scale Length	15″ Concert
Nut Width	1-3/8″ Bone
Neck Material	Maple
Fingerboard Material	Maple
Frets	18
Inlay	Dot & Star
Rim	8″ Acrylic (See-Through Purple)
Head	8″ Clear
Tension Hoop	8″ Rolled Brass Flat Bar
Brackets	12
Bridge	5/8″ Maple with Ebony Cap
Tailpiece	Banjo Uke Style
Tuners	Sealed Guitar-Style
Hardware	Chrome Plated
Binding	Black ABS
Finish	Purple
Headstock Buttons	Metal
String Gauges	.027, .038, .028, .022
Weight	2.63 lbs.
Bag	Included

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I play the Little Gem if I already know how to play ukulele?

Absolutely — and honestly, it’s one of the best reasons to get one. The Little Gem is tuned GCEA, exactly the same as a standard concert ukulele, so every chord shape and melody you already know transfers directly. The main difference you’ll notice is the tone: the banjo head gives you a brighter, more percussive sound that cuts through beautifully in a group setting. It’s a fantastic way to add a new color to your playing without learning a new instrument from scratch.

Is the see-through acrylic rim durable enough for regular use?

Yes, it holds up well. Acrylic is actually quite resilient — it’s impact-resistant and doesn’t respond to humidity changes the way wood does, which makes it surprisingly stable. The Little Gem is light at just 2.63 lbs., making it easy to travel with, and the included gig bag gives it good protection on the go. Treat it the way you’d treat any instrument — don’t leave it in a hot car or drop it on concrete — and it will serve you for years.

---

Want to know when new banjos arrive? Join our email list: Sign up here.

---

Videos